Experiencing the “Can’t connect to the server within the time limit” error on your PS5 can be extremely frustrating. This error typically appears when trying to access PlayStation Network services and indicates there are issues establishing a connection.
Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this problem. This guide will walk you through the most common fixes to get your PS5 back online.
Key Takeaways
- The “can’t connect” error points to networking issues preventing your PS5 from connecting properly.
- Potential causes include Wi-Fi problems, PSN service issues, incorrect DNS settings and more.
- Solutions range from simple router reboots to adjusting DNS and MTU values on your PS5.
- As a last resort, initializing your PS5 will wipe its drive but often resolves stubborn network errors.
What Causes the “Can’t Connect to Server” Error on PS5?
There are a few potential culprits for this error message:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues – Weak Wi-Fi signal, interference or incorrect Wi-Fi password can prevent connecting.
- ISP or Router Outages – Connection issues with your internet service provider or router/modem problems will cause problems.
- PSN Service Disruptions – If PSN servers are down for maintenance or experiencing issues, connectivity errors will occur.
- DNS Server Problems – Incorrect DNS settings or unreachable DNS servers will stop your PS5 connecting properly.
- MTU Value Conflicts – An incorrectly configured MTU value can also break connectivity.
- Hardware Failures – Faulty network hardware or ports on your PS5 could be the issue in some rare cases.
Fortunately, most connectivity problems can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting.
10 Solutions to Fix “Can’t Connect to Server Within Time Limit”
Try these troubleshooting solutions in order below to fix your PS5 connection issues:
1. Check PSN Server Status
First, visit the PlayStation Network Service Status page to check if the PSN servers are undergoing maintenance or experiencing an outage.
If services show a warning or are offline, you’ll have to wait until Sony resolves the issues on their end. Bookmark the page and check back often for updates.
2. Reboot Your Network Hardware
If PSN services are online, try rebooting your network hardware:
- Turn off your PS5, router and modem.
- Unplug them and leave off for one minute.
- Turn on the modem first and let it boot up.
- Next turn on the router and allow it to initialize fully.
- Finally turn on your PS5.
This flushes out any software issues and re-establishes network connections.
3. Make Sure PS5 is Updated
Outdated system software can sometimes cause connectivity problems.
On your PS5’s home screen, go to:
Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software
Install any available updates and restart your console. This ensures maximum compatibility with PlayStation’s servers.
4. Connect With Ethernet
For testing purposes, use an Ethernet cable to connect your PS5 directly to your router or modem:
- Turn off your PS5.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your PS5 and the other end to a LAN port on your router/modem.
- Turn your PS5 back on and try reconnecting.
If a wired connection works fine, that confirms your Wi-Fi network specifically is the issue, rather than something wrong with your ISP’s broadband connection itself. So you can focus troubleshooting on Wi-Fi problems – continue to solutions 7 through 10 below.
Bonus Tips
- Use Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cables which offer faster Gigabit speeds necessary for gaming and streaming.
- Connect your PS5 directly to your modem if connecting directly to the router still doesn’t work. That will indicate if the router itself is causing problems.
5. Flush DNS on PS5
Incorrect DNS server settings can prevent establishing proper connections. Flushing DNS resets these settings:
- Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection
- Select your existing connection
- Select “Custom” instead of “Easy”
- Choose Automatic for IP Address Settings
- Disable DHCP Host Name
- Set both Primary and Secondary DNS to “Do Not Specify”
- Save your connection
Once back at the home screen, retest connectivity. Flushing DNS often resolves connectivity problems caused by outdated entries mapped to your internet connection.
6. Adjust MTU Value
If you have an MTU misconfiguration, adjusting this value can restore normal connectivity:
- Follow steps 1-5 above for flushing DNS settings
- Set MTU Settings to “Manual” instead of “Automatic”
- Change the value to 1473 or 1450
- Save changes and retest connectivity
MTU size directly impacts packet transfer between your PS5 and ISP servers. An incorrect value can prevent establishing connections reliably.
7. Switch PS5 to 5GHz Wi-Fi
If you’re connecting over Wi-Fi (instead of Ethernet), switching to the 5GHz band can improve connectivity:
- Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection
- Select your Wi-Fi network
- Choose “Wi-Fi Frequency Bands”
- Set to “5 GHz” band
The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference from other home devices. Reattempt connecting after switching bands.
8. Move Closer to Your Router
Positioning your PS5 farther away from your wireless router or access point will lead to a weaker signal. This increases chances of intermittent connectivity.
Ideally place your console in the same room as your router. Instantly improve your signal strength by eliminating any walls or interference between devices.
Also reposition or upgrade routers placing them in more central home locations. Extend Wi-Fi range by adding mesh networking systems or Wi-Fi repeaters.
9. Change Wi-Fi Channel
Excessive wireless interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks can disrupt connectivity.
Access your router administration interface and switch to another channel further away from channels occupied by other nearby networks.
Optimizing your operating channel minimizes competing signals disrupting your PS5’s wireless connection.
10. Update Router Firmware
Updating to the latest router firmware improves connectivity and compatibility:
- On a device connected to your router, visit
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1in a browser. Other default gateway addresses may also work if listed on your router. - Enter your router admin username and password if prompted
- Navigate to advanced settings and look for a firmware update option
- Check the manufacturer’s website and update to the latest firmware
- Allow 15 minutes for changes to fully take effect
Keep your router firmware updated whenever new versions are released to maintain the best Wi-Fi performance.
Still Not Working? Initialize PS5
If you still can’t connect to servers after trying all other troubleshooting, initializing your PS5 will wipe its drive and factory reset all settings:
- Turn off your PS5
- Press and hold the Power button, releasing after the second beep
- Connect a USB drive formatted as FAT32
- Follow the prompts to install the latest system software. This will wipe your PS5 back to a clean state.
Reinitializing software will resolve any lingering system file corruptions causing connectivity conflicts. Backup important data first before initializing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CE-109573-5 error code?
The CE-109573-5 error also relates to connectivity issues. It specifically indicates a problem communicating with PSN servers. It can occur alongside or separately from the generic “can’t connect to server” error.
Follow the same troubleshooting process above focusing on router reboots, DNS, MTU, Wi-Fi settings and initializing your console if necessary.
Why does my PS5 connect to Wi-Fi but not PSN?
If your PS5 connects to Wi-Fi with no issues but you still get connectivity errors accessing PSN, that points to problems with Sony’s servers.
Check status.playstation.com to see if PSN services are undergoing maintenance or disrupted. There is no fix beyond waiting for Sony to get their servers back online.
How can I improve PS5 connection speed?
For faster PS5 speeds:
- Connect via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible
- Position your PS5 closer to wireless routers and access points
- Enable QoS prioritization rules for your PS5 in router settings
- Upgrade to faster home internet plans as available
- Try gaming during off-peak hours when fewer users are online
Optimizing your network and equipment is key to low latency, reliable connectivity for online gaming and streaming media.
So there you have it – the most common issues causing PS5 “can’t connect to server” errors and how to properly fix them. Start troubleshooting beginning with simplest router reboots before adjusting advanced DNS and MTU settings.
Persist in working through each solution to isolate the true cause and get your connectivity restored. But initializing your console should solve any deeply embedded software issues as a last resort.
